Cigarette case with lid ejector

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a cigarette ejection system comprising a container with an opening, a lid capable of closably covering the opening, a strand connected to the lid, and a lifter connected to the strand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates in general to small, handheld cigarette containers, and in particular to cigarette containers with a lid-triggered ejector.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cigarette containers are known in the related art, some of which include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,960,270, 3,999,412, 4,084,415, 4,190,148, 4,230,224, 4,275,819, 4,278,185, 4,303,154, 4,342,902, 4,355,716, 4,465,184, 4,465,185, 4,570,790, 4,789,059, 4,844,244, 4,850,481, 4,862,431, 5,096,057, 5,265,717, 5,482,157, 5,520,196, 5,566,855, 5,826,715, 5,938,017, 6,065,592, 6,220,428, 6,693,850, 6,695,136, 7,066,324, 7,712,630, and 7,721,881; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 20080185303, 20070246382, 20070246382; and International App. Nos. WO/1996/039879 and WO/1992/018259.

A wide variety of cigarette cases with ejectors are known in the related art; an example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,881 to He. He discloses a cigarette ejector case. However, such mechanisms have multiple components, which do not eject a cigarette at the time the case is opened, and such mechanisms require opening the case as an initial step, followed by moving the ejector, which is a second, additional step. Obtaining the contents of the case requires first opening the case, then locating and manually sliding the ejector mechanism. He does not teach or fairly suggest simultaneous ejection of a cigarette while opening the lid.

It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art to provide a convenient container with a lid that simultaneously ejects one or more cigarettes. Further, it can be seen that there is a need in the art to provide an unobstructed connection from the lid to the lifter. Moreover, it can be seen that avoiding springs and other complex parts is desirable to reduce costs of production, assembly, and component repair. It can also be seen that there is a need in the art to reduce multiple steps when obtaining a cigarette, by avoiding separate opening and lifting. Finally, it can be seen that there is a need to address any combination of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses a cigarette ejection system, comprising a container with an opening, a lid capable of closably covering the opening, a strand connected to the lid, and a lifter connected to the strand.

The description of the preferred embodiments is to be understood as non-limiting examples of the present invention. The true scope of the invention is to be understood by the claims and not limited by the preferred embodiments. An aspect of the invention is to provide a convenient one-step open-and-eject cigarette case.

Another aspect of the invention is to minimize obstruction of the cigarette when the lid is moved and the cigarette is ejected.

Still yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a reusable container.

A further aspect of the invention is to protect the contents of the case while providing an openable lid.

An additional aspect of the invention is to provide a rotatable clip that allows gravity and ejection mechanisms to work in concert, while eliminating the need for complex internal organization mechanisms to push or pull contents therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates a closed view from an angled perspective of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an open view from an angled perspective of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an angled side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial internal view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a slightly exploded internal view of the present invention with a side panel of container removed;

FIG. 7 illustrates a close perspective of the present invention with a side panel of container removed; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a partially opened top-down perspective of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

References throughout the specification to “a possible embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an embodiment,” and like reference to “embodiment” are non-limiting examples to aid in understanding an element, function, way, result, means, structure, aspect, and/or benefit of the present invention. An “embodiment” provides that there can be one or more embodiments that can involve the given element or aspect of the invention. Thus, multiple instances of “an embodiment” and like reference do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

It shall be understood that “cigarette” can refer to any type of cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, menthol or non-menthol cigarettes, or other roughly elongated, cylindrical, quasi-cylindrical, or tapered shape. “Cigarette” can also include any type of partially or wholly bound or wrapped tobacco or consumer-packaged cigarettes, whether by paper, wax paper, organic material, hemp, or otherwise, or any combination thereof. “Cigarette” need not be provided only in a conventional cigarette pack. It shall further be understood that the present invention can facilitate ejection of objects other than cigarettes.

It shall be understood that “eject” can refer to any movement releasing a cigarette, and can be understood to refer to releasing an object from within container 100.

Specifics of the Invention

FIG. 1 illustrates a closed view from an angled perspective of a possible embodiment of the present invention. Container 100 is shown in FIG. 1, with lid 102 and plurality of grip marks 104.

Container 100 can be a hard casing, metal or non-metal. Container 100 can have opening 200 (FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 8). In some preferred embodiments, container 100 can be made of gold, silver, platinum, or stainless steel. Container 100 can be opened and closed via lid 102. In some possible embodiments, container 100 can be opened for loading multiple cigarettes via a hinged door.

Lid 102 can cover container 100. Lid 102 can fit opening 200. Lid 102 can slidably adjust to allow container 100 to be openable. Lid 102 can be slidable to uncover opening 200. Lid 102 can be capable of closably covering the opening. Lid 102 can slide back into its closed position, covering opening 200, to close container 100. In some embodiments, lid 102 can be spring-loaded to snap back into place. In most preferred embodiments, lid 102 is slidable and not spring-loaded. When fully closed, lid 102 covers the top of container 100 to enclose contents within container 100. In most preferred embodiments, when lid 102 is moved, lifter 500 (FIG. 5) moves in the direction of opening 200, thus allowing cigarette to be extend through opening 200. In some preferred embodiments, strand 202 can have a thicker portion which fixably attaches to lifter 500. One of ordinary skill in the pertinent art would know how to incorporate lid 102 in the present invention to make it slidable; by way of non-limiting illustration, lid 102 can be slidable via grooves at the top of container 100.

Plurality of grip marks 104 can be on lid 102. Plurality of grip marks 104 can provide a gripping surface. A benefit of plurality of grip marks 104 can be to facilitate or indicate opening of lid 102. In some possible embodiments, lid 102 itself can function as a gripping surface without the presence of plurality of grip marks 104. In some preferred embodiments, plurality of grip marks 104 can be raised metal strips or a plurlaity of groove marks upon lid 102. In most preferred embodiments, plurality of grip marks 104 can have two or more marks. Marks can be raised, grooved, printed, etched, or molded onto lid 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates an open view from an angled perspective of a possible embodiment of the present invention. Opening 200 is shown in FIG. 2, with strand 202, pair of strands 204, container 100, lid 102, and plurality of grip marks 104.

Opening 200 can have a width and length when lid 102 is in an open position. A benefit of opening 200 is to allow one or more cigarettes to be ejected out of container 100.

Strand 202 can be any material capable of reformably bending, whether metal or non-metal. In most preferred embodiments, strand 202 can be metal, formed in connection with lid 102, and connected to lifter 500.

Pair of strands 204 can slide in parallel, to allow passing of one or more cigarettes through opening 200 when lid 102 is opened. Pair of strands 204 can bend at rollbar 600 (FIGS. 6, 7, and 8), near opening 200 when lid 102 is opened. In most preferred embodiments, there can be a pair of strands 204 present. In some possible embodiments, there can be one strand 202, or two or more strands 202.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top-down view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Container 100 is shown in FIG. 3, with lid 102, plurality of grip marks 104, opening 200 and strands 202.

FIG. 4 illustrates a clip-side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention. Clip 400 is shown in FIG. 4, with container 100 and lid 102 in closed position.

Clip 400 can be a belt clip fixably attached to container 100. Clip 400 can be made of metal or non-metal material. In most preferred embodiments, clip 400 can be rotatable by at least 10 degrees on a 360-degree axis, thus providing an angle when a cigarette is ejected. By way of non-limiting illustration, clip 400 can be attached to a belt worn by a person, and container 100 via clip 400 can rotate at an angle to facilitate opening of lid 102 at an angle; further, cigarettes within container 100 can be aligned by gravity prior to being ejected from container 100. A benefit of clip 400 in rotatable embodiments is to avoid the need for additional mechanical parts to align the contents of container 100, thus reducing risk of breakage and providing a more durable system overall. In most preferred embodiments, clip 400 can be a smoothed, deburred metal or a metal alloy.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial internal view of the present invention. Lifter 500 is shown in FIG. 5, with lid 102, plurality of grip marks 104, and strand 202.

Lifter 500 can be a platform connected to strand 202. Lifter 500 can partly move cigarette I lengthwise, partially exposing the cigarette I through opening 200.

FIG. 6 illustrates a slightly exploded internal view of the present invention with a side panel of container removed. Rollbar 600 is shown in FIG. 6, with container 100, lid 102, plurality of grip marks 104, opening 200, strand 202, pair of strands 204, and lifter 500.

Rollbar 600 can be connected to container 100 near opening 200. In some possible embodiments, rollbar 600 can be a cylindrical peg. Rollbar 600 can be a rigid material that does not bend during movement of pair of strands 204. Rollbar 600 need not physically move or turn, and can be fixed in its position. By way of non-limiting illustration, rollbar 600 can be cylindrical, rectangular, a pair of cylinders, hollow or non-hollow. Rollbar 600 can be parallel to strand 202. A benefit of rollbar 600 can be to prevent strand 202 from moving away from opening 200. Another benefit of rollbar 600 can be to minimize or prevent obstructing cigarette ejection. Pair of strands 204 can move past rollbar 600 as lid 102 opens. By way of non-limiting illustration, “move” or “movement” when used in reference to lid 102 with strand 202 or pair of strands 204 can include: extending, sliding, turning, or pivoting. During such movement, pair of strands 204 can retract past rollbar 600 as lid 102 closes. Rollbar 600 can maintain a relatively fixed position via groove 700 (FIG. 7). Rollbar 600 can have ends with a smaller diameter to be inserted into groove 700. In some possible embodiments, rollbar 600 can be flanged to prevent lateral movement of strand 202. In some possible embodiments, narrowed portions on rollbar 600 can help prevent strand 202 from moving laterally on rollbar 600. A benefit of flanges or grooves on rollbar 600 can be to reduce or eliminate movement of strand 202 such that opening 200 can be substantially unobstructed as lid 102 opens. In some possible embodiments, a thicker flanged portion can be provided adjacent to strand 202 to prevent lateral inward movement of strand 202.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close perspective of the present invention with a side panel of container removed. Groove 700 is shown in FIG. 7, with container 100 and rollbar 600.

There can be a second groove 700 on the opposite side within container 100 to fixably place rollbar 600 between two grooves 700 on each side, within container 100. Rollbar 600 can be parallel to lid 102 and perpendicular to strands 202.

There can be a pair of grooves 700 into which rollbar 600 is fixably inserted therebetween.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partially opened top-down perspective of the present invention. Pair of insertion ends 800 is shown in FIG. 8, with container 100, opening 200, lifter 500 partially shown from the bottom of container 100 and further away in this perpsective, rollbar 600 near opening 200 closer in perspective, pair of grooves 700 near opening 200, and cigarette I shown from a top-down angle consistent with the orientation of container 100.

Pair of insertion ends 800 can be formed at opposite ends of rollbar 600 for insertion into grooves 700.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present invention provides a cigarette ejection system comprising a container with an opening, a lid capable of closably covering the opening, a strand connected to the lid, and a lifter connected to the strand. 

1. A cigarette ejection system, comprising: a container with an opening; a lid capable of closably covering the opening; a strand connected to the lid; and a lifter connected to the strand.
 2. the system of claim 1, where the opening is capable of being exposed by moving the lid.
 3. the system of claim 2, where the lid slidably uncovers the opening.
 4. the system of claim 2, where the strand connects the lid with the lifter.
 5. the system of claim 2, where the lifter is positioned opposite to the opening.
 6. the system of claim 2, where a rollbar is affixed near the opening.
 7. the system of claim 6, where the rollbar is substantially parallel to the strand.
 8. the system of claim 7, wherein the strand and a second strand form a pair of strands connected to the lid.
 9. the system of claim 7, where the strand spans more than one-half the height of the container.
 10. the system of claim 7, wherein the lifter is substantially planar to the opening.
 11. the system of claim 7, further comprising a pair of grooves within the container.
 12. the system of claim 11, where the pair of grooves is near the lid.
 13. the system of claim 11, wherein the rollbar is affixed between the pair of grooves.
 14. the system of claim 13, wherein the rollbar and the pair of grooves are positioned near the opening and under the lid.
 15. the system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of grip marks on the lid.
 16. the system of claim 13, further comprising a clip attached to the container.
 17. the system of claim 16, wherein the clip is rotatable by at least 15 degrees.
 18. A cigarette ejection system, comprising: a container with an opening; a lid capable of closably covering the opening; a pair of strands connected to the lid; a rollbar affixed near the opening; and a lifter connected to the pair of strands.
 19. the system of claim 18, wherein the pair of strands is capable of moving past the rollbar when the lid is opened.
 20. the system of claim 19, wherein the rollbar is parallel to the pair of strands. 